Sports Media Report
The family of the late, iconic New York Yankees catcher Yogi Berra, and Yankees “Perfect Game” pitcher Don Larsen will sell pieces of their personal baseball memorabilia collections in an on-line auction through Steiner Sports Memorabilia. The “Fall Classic Auction” will begin today (Tuesday, September 13), and continue through October 23, it was announced today by company CEO Brandon Steiner.
Visit http://auction.steinersports.com/ to bid.
The treasure trove of memorabilia, called by Steiner “our biggest auction in history,” that includes 2,500 gems for collectors highlighted by Berra’s 1953 World Series Championship ring, which was the only one of his 10 title rings that the legend actually wore after winning five straight Fall Classics from 1949 through 1953; as well as both his National Baseball Hall of Fame ring and plaque which were presented upon his induction in 1972, and a vintage,1961 game-used, home pinstripe #8 jersey; Larsen’s “Babe Ruth Award,” which was presented to the hurler as the 1956 World Series Most Valuable Player in recognition of his historic Fall Classic performance, heads the Larsen lot.
The Berra collection also includes a bevy of photographs, his driver’s license, credit cards, signed checks, signed contracts, signed baseball cards and other personal documents.
Berra’s sons Larry, Tim and Dale Berra decided to give their father’s legion of fans the chance to own a piece of history. “It is a pleasure and honor for the Berra family to share dad’s history with his many followers,” said Dale Berra, “because they are responsible for his legacy.”
“His ’53 championship ring is a real collector’s item because it has a diamond ‘Five’ on it,” added Dale. “It was given to the few players like dad and Phil Rizzuto who had won five World Series in a row. That’s a very special piece.”
Many of the Larsen pieces are connected to his 1956 World Series Perfect Game, including a 1956 letter from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and 2006 letters from Governor George Pataki and Mayor Rudy Giuliani of in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the “Perfecto.”
